Nestled in one of the lush green canyons lining the Columbia river gorge, this waterfall tumbles over an overhang of basalt columns. When I visited this place in spring, I saw the ribbon of white twisting its way through the lush undergrowth. The black walls of the canyon were adorned with fresh growth of mosses and lichens fed by the mist from the gushing falls. From this vantage point, I could spy the trail going under the overhang to give a unique perspective of the waterfall.
Columbia River Gorge
OR USA
The Cherries at Spring
It may be mid May, but the temperatures in the PNW have still stayed below the 60s, and it still feels like spring. So in recognition of that, here are a couple of photos from the spring cherry blossoms at the well-manicured blooms of the University of Washington Campus
Seattle
WA USA
Waterfalls of the Gorge
It had been ages since I had been to the waterfall, but the moment I entered the glade where the waterfall was nestled in, memories started flooding in: a tall column of stark white water set against the dark and sinuous basalt columns, a gushing creek flowing under a mossy wooden bridge, surrounded by the fresh greenery of spring. I still remembered the refreshing scent of petrichor, the ice-cold spray from the fall, and the thunderous roar echoing through the canyon.
Such was the impact of this lovely waterfall along the Columbia River
Columbia River Gorge
OR USA
Tulip Star
It pays occasionally to dip below the line of flowers to capture a photo of the one
I was looking to capture unique compositions of the tulip fields when I noticed that the sun was very low on the horizon. I realized that I could use the dense rows of tulips to block the sun, and capture a sunstar when the tulips swayed with the wind. After a few trials, this was the final composition
Skagit Valley
WA USA
The Misty Woods
Visiting the Columbia Gorge in the midst of a thunderstorm means that not only are you going to get pelted by rain, but you also get the occasional bouts of sunlight. And that light can add an ethereal and primeval feel to the waterfalls of the canyon. This was one of those waterfalls gushing from the recent rain-showers of April
Columbia River Gorge
OR USA
Odd one out
One of my classic takes with the spring tulip blossoms of the Pacific Northwest is photographing the odd ones out. I seek out the oddball misfits and the mis-colored ones amongst the uniform rows of neatly planted tulips. I presumed that these bulbs were planted either intentionally or they just crept it. Regardless, they form a great subject to add contrast when shooting tulips
Skagit Valley
WA USA
Carpet of flowers
Every spring, the streets and parks of Seattle are ablaze with a variety of floral blooms, from the bright cherry blossoms, the vibrant camelias, the regal magnolias, the colorful tulips and daffodils to the tiny flowering plants including daisies, phloxes and bluebells. I found this carpet of lawn daisies at a park in Seattle particularly captivating
Seattle
WA USA
Cabin in the woods
Even though it is spring in the Pacific Northwest, it doesn't feel like one. The temperature still dips below zero in the mountains, and the clouds still bring snow down to the lower elevation. It is in times like these I often fancy escaping to a cozy cabin, complete with a sauna, hot tub and all the creature comforts.
Many thanks to the Pine Marten cabin for this snug cabin which left me filled with hygge.
Packwood
WA USA
Leaning Away
Visiting tulip fields is aboud admiring the the rows and rows of neatly planted tulips, in all shades from brilliant whites to deep purple. But not all end up blooming successfully, and add a bit of variety to the monotony of the parallel lines of tulips
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
OR USA
Spring of Flowers
Springs in California were spent driving around to various parts of the golden state to seek the colorful blooms of wildflowers. Hills, brown and dry during the summer and fall, transform in February to a verdant English landscape, and play host some of the largest varieties of wildflowers. Resplendent blooms of the california poppy, pygmy lupines, fiddlenecks, asters, daisies and many others carpet the sunlit slopes of the Sierra foothills. I am yet to witness such a transformation in any other part of the country.
Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
CA USA